Pest control system including compartments having areas for receiving pest control materials of differing physical consistencies

ABSTRACT

A modular pest control system which includes structure that is specifically designed to capitalize upon the physiology and/or behavior of a wide assortment of pests to render the system more attractive to the pests. The system is modular in nature whereby it may be configured as desired or necessary to target any combination of one or more species of pests. The modular system preferably includes, at minimum, a first component in the form of a pest control device that may be releasably connectable to a second component. The first component may contain one or more materials or structural features for controlling any individual species or combinations of species of ground crawling pests, termites and rodents. The second component may be a releasable base for securing the first component to vegetation, building surfaces and materials, or targeted areas of soil. Alternatively, the second component itself may be a pest control device that may be releasably connectable to the first component and which anchors the first component to the earth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 09/145,904 filed Sep. 2, 1998, entitled MODULAR PEST CONTROL SYSTEM.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates in general to pest control systemsand in particular to a modular pest control systems for controlling oneor more species of pests.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A variety of systems have been produced for controlling pestpopulations in and around residential and commercial structures.Included among the many pests typically targeted by such systems arecrawling insects, flying insects, millipedes, centipedes, slugs,crickets, grasshoppers, termites and rodents. Many involve the use ofrepellants or baits which may be fatal to certain species of insectpests or rodent pests, for example. Beyond the use of known attractantssuch as desirable baits (e.g., foods or pheromones), existing pestcontrol system designs generally do not demonstrate thoughtfulcognizance of and do not capitalize on pest behavior and/or physiologyin order to render the systems particularly attractive and, therefore,especially lethal to the pests they are intended to control. With baitsfunctioning essentially as the sole attractant, the success of thesesystems depends in great measure upon their placement and accessibility.Hence, if the system is not disposed, often serendipitously, relativelyclose to the target pest population or is not constructed for readyaccess by the pests, the effectiveness of the system may be considerablyless than desired.

[0004] Moreover, other than pheromone or specific food bait designs,existing pest control systems rather indiscriminately attract and harmall species of pests, including desirable and undesirable species, thathappen upon the traps and are capable of accessing the bait. And it isnot believed that any existing systems can be initially configured toaccommodate one or more species of pests and then reconfigured toexclude certain of those species from all or a portion of the trap.Additionally, existing systems are not constructed such that one portionof the system is dedicated to the control of one species of pest, e.g.,ants, and other portion(s) of the system are dedicated to the control ofother species of pests, e.g., termites, rodents, etc.

[0005] Still further, existing systems have essentially immutableconstructions. That is, they are not modular and cannot be assembled andinstalled at a desired location to achieve highly selective speciescontrol, e.g., above ground ant control coupled with below groundtermite control, above ground rodent control coupled with below groundtermite control, above ground ant and/or rodent control coupled withabove or below ground termite control, or the like.

[0006] U.S. Pat Nos. 5,042,192 and 5,148,626, for example, discloseabove ground, upright, shaft-like supports for foodstuffs, furniture andpet feeding bowls, among other things, which incorporate an insectrepellant barrier for preventing crawling insects from reaching the topof the supports. To further frustrate invasion by crawling insects, theshafts of the supports are disclosed as being preferably formed of slickmaterial for hindering the insects from obtaining firm footing thereon.Devices such as these are site-specific deterrents to certain species ofinsects but are essentially ineffective for insect or other pestcontrol.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,303,599 describes various embodiments of insecttraps which can be either mounted on a stake or garbage can cover orsuspended from a support such as a tree, rail, rafter or the like. Thetrap includes, inter alia, a water container and wicking means forconveying water from the water container to poison contained in anotherarea of the trap in order to keep the poison moist. The trap is providedwith no structure which renders it especially inviting to particularspecies of pests and is not equipped with structure for selectivelytargeting certain species for pest control.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,776 discloses an above or below groundtermite trap including grooved wooden termite baits impregnated withpoison.

[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,825,996, 2,893,160 and 4,065,872 discloseinsecticide containers supported by corrugated stakes which areinsertable into the ground or mountable to a support structure such as awall or the like. Among their ascribed functions, the stake corrugationsare provided to permit insects to gain access to the insecticidecontainers. Of these patents, U.S. Pat. No. 2,893,160 further comprisesa child/pet shield for covering the insecticide container. The shieldincludes a roughened outer surface created by a plurality of apertureswhich are punched through the shield. The patent asserts, withoutexplanation, that ants and other insects are attracted to the unit sincenumerous insects like to crawl in and about roughened aperturedsurfaces.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,582 describes an insect feeding stationincluding a cover permanently affixed to a base which supports apoisonous bait compartment. The base may include a tubular extensionwhich may be thrust into the earth. Insects may enter the baitcompartment through the tubular extension and openings provided in thecover. The station provides no structure for encouraging insects to bedrawn thereto. It also has no means for restricting access to the baitto certain species nor it is modular to permit selective configurationand reconfiguration to target desired species.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,743 provides a circular insect bait dispenserwhich is secured to the ground by a stake. The dispenser includes aninverted bowl-shaped, circular cover which is releasably connected to acircular base. The base may include several compartments which mayaccommodate several different types of bait for different insects ordifferent types of bait for the same insect. Like the bait stationdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,582, the dispenser has no structureespecially designed to attract insects. It also has no means forrestricting access to the bait to certain species. And, it is notmodular and therefore, cannot be configured in one way to controlcertain species of pests and then reconfigured to target other desiredspecies.

[0012] A need exists, therefore, for a pest control system whichincludes structure specifically designed to capitalize upon thephysiology and/or behavior or pests to render the system more attractiveto the pests.

[0013] A further need exists for a pest control system which is modularin nature to permit the system to be configured and reconfigured toselectively target any combination of one or more species of pests.

[0014] A further advantage exists for a pest control system includingmeans for restricting access to all or a portion of the baited areas ofthe system to selected species of pests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention provides a modular pest control systemwhich includes structure that is specifically designed to capitalizeupon the physiology and/or behavior of a wide assortment of pests torender the system more attractive to the pests. The system is modular innature whereby it may be configured as desired or necessary to targetany combination of one or more species of pests.

[0016] The modular system preferably includes, at minimum, a firstcomponent in the form of a pest control device that may be releasablyconnectable to a second component. The first component may contain oneor more materials or structural features for controlling any individualspecies or combinations of species of ground crawling pests, termitesand rodents.

[0017] The second component may be a releasable base for securing thefirst component to vegetation, building surfaces and materials, ortargeted areas of soil. Alternatively, the second component itself maybe a pest control device that may be releasably connectable to the firstcomponent and which anchors the first component to the earth.

[0018] Each of the components also preferably includes numerousadditional structural features, which further enhance the performance ofthe system.

[0019] Other details, objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent as the following description of the presentlypreferred embodiments and presently preferred methods of practicing theinvention proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will become more readily apparent from thefollowing description of preferred embodiments thereof shown, by way ofexample only, in the accompanying drawings wherein;

[0021]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, in partial section, of a firstembodiment of a modular pest control system according to the presentinvention;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a soil anchor component of themodular pest control system according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a toggle member suitable foruse with the soil anchor of FIG. 2;

[0024]FIG. 4 is an inside elevation view of the toggle member of FIG. 3;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the toggle member of FIG. 3;

[0026]FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the soil anchor of FIG. 2 with thetoggle member of FIG. 3 pivotally attached thereto;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a punch tool for piercing hardsoil in preparation for insertion into the soil of a soil anchorcomponent of the modular pest control system according to the presentinvention;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a gap formed between dry soiland a building foundation;

[0029]FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a soil anchor according to thepresent invention which is suitable for insertion into a gap formedbetween dry soil and a building foundation;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the soil anchor of FIG. 9disposed in a gap formed between dry soil and a building foundation;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket component ofthe modular pest control system according to the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the mounting bracket of FIG.11;

[0033]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a base portion of a firstembodiment of a pest control device according to the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the pest control device base portionof FIG. 13;

[0035]FIG. 15 is an elevational cross-section view taken along line15-15 of FIG. 14;

[0036]FIG. 16 is an elevational cross-section view taken along line16-16 of FIG. 14;

[0037]FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a cover portion of a firstembodiment of a pest control device according to the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the cover portion of FIG. 17;

[0039]FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the cover portion of FIG. 17;

[0040]FIG. 20 is an elevational cross-section view taken along line20-20 of FIG. 19;

[0041]FIG. 21 is an elevational cross-section view of the base portionof FIG. 13 and the cover portion of FIG. 17 in assembled condition, aswell as a side elevation view of a tool for facilitating release of thecover portion from the base portion;

[0042]FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a pest bait receptacle suitable forreceipt in the base portion of FIG. 13;

[0043]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the pest bait receptacle of FIG.22 in assembled condition;

[0044]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the pest bait receptacle of FIG.22 with a label thereof removed to expose openings through which pestsmay gain access to the interior of the receptacle;

[0045]FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 1 wherein the pest controldevice includes at least one internally disposed tacky-surfacedglueboard;

[0046]FIG. 26 is a partially cut, partial cross-section view of afurther embodiment of a modular pest control system according to thepresent invention;

[0047]FIG. 27 is an elevational cross-section view of a furtherembodiment of a pest control device according to the present inventiondisposed about a leg of a legged structure;

[0048]FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of a further embodiment of a pestcontrol device according to the present invention with a cover thereofomitted for clarity of illustration;

[0049]FIG. 29 is an end elevational view of the pest control device ofFIG. 28 disposed adjacent a baseboard;

[0050]FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG.28;

[0051]FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a pestcontrol device according to the present invention;

[0052]FIG. 32 is an elevational cross-section view taken along line32-32 of FIG. 31;

[0053]FIG. 33 is a horizontal cross-section view taken along line 33-33of FIG. 32;

[0054]FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a pestcontrol device according to the present invention;

[0055]FIG. 35 is an elevational cross-section view taken along line35-35 of FIG. 34;

[0056]FIG. 36 is an elevational cross-section view of a furtherembodiment of a pest control device according to the present invention;

[0057]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a pestcontrol device according to the present invention;

[0058]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the pest control device of FIG.37 with the covers thereof opened to expose the interior structures ofthe several internal compartments thereof;

[0059]FIG. 39 is a bottom perspective view of the pest control device ofFIG. 37 shown attached to a soil anchor, whereby the pest control deviceand soil anchor constitute first and second components of a furtherembodiment of a modular pest control system according to the presentinvention;

[0060]FIG. 40 is a partially cut perspective view of the pest controldevice of FIG. 37;

[0061]FIGS. 41 and 42 are perspective views of removable trays forreceiving pest control material and disposable in the pest controldevice of FIG. 37;

[0062]FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a termite tube housing sectionaccording to the present invention;

[0063]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a pair of the termite tubehousing sections of FIG. 43 joined to form a completed subterraneantermite tube housing;

[0064]FIGS. 45 and 46 are elevational views of the structure and mannerof operation of a subterranean termite control device according to thepresent invention;

[0065]FIG. 47 is a top plan view of a substantially rigid termitecontrol material according to the present invention suitable for use ina subterranean termite tube:

[0066]FIG. 48 is an elevational cross-section view taken along line48-48 of FIG. 47;

[0067]FIG. 49 is an elevation view of the exterior of the termitecontrol material of FIG. 47;

[0068]FIG. 50 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of asubstantially rigid termite control material according to the presentinvention suitable for use in a subterranean termite tube;

[0069]FIG. 51 is an elevational cross-section view of a furtherembodiment of a termite control device according to the presentinvention;

[0070]FIG. 52 is an elevational cross-section view of a furtherembodiment of the modular pest control system according to the presentinvention; and

[0071]FIG. 53 is an elevational cross-section view of a furtherembodiment of the modular pest control system according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] The several components of the modular pest control system of thepresent invention are designed, inter alia, to address the behavioralpreferences and tendencies, particularly movement behavior, and thephysiological needs of multiple commonly encountered pests in order tocontrol a broad variety of pest populations.

Pest Movement Attractants

[0073] Almost all pests have natural tendencies or senses that dictatehow they move through their environment. Rarely in the design of knownpest control systems, however, is more than casual attention devoted topests' locomotive traits as behavioral characteristics to be capitalizedupon in the design of the system in order to enhance system performance.Many general and specific pest movements for which pestattraction/control structure may be designed can be classified asfollows:

[0074] Edge-Of-Wall Effect: This is perhaps the most common movementbehavior of pests in general. Ants, rodents, crickets, cockroaches,millipedes, ground beetles and many other ground crawling pests travelalong the bases of walls or similar wall/ground or wall/floorintersections. This behavior is manifested by many pests because oftheir apparent desire to place one antenna or whisker on the wall orupright surface while placing the other on the ground or similartraveling surface. It may be observed at the juncture, in any plane, ofsubstantially orthogonally disposed surfaces such as wall/floor andwall/ceiling junctures and can be exploited by designing pest controlequipment that fits as closely as possible to the face of a wall. Inaddition, natural voids or gaps are formed at the bases of exteriorwalls when soil dries, contracts, and separates from the structure'sfoundation. This phenomenon creates an excellent traveling juncture formany pests such as ants. When designing pest control equipment,therefore, the equipment should be such that it remains close to thefoundation and preferably projects into the void to intercept trailingand nesting pests. Pest control system performance can be furtherenhanced by simulating the edge-of-wall effect at the outer peripheralregions of the station which would function as a structural attractant.

[0075] Corner Effect: This is an extension of the edge-of-wall effectbecause walls or similar surfaces typically eventually lead to a corner(outer or inner). Corners are more likely to have higher pest activitybecause they represent the juncture of three usually mutually orthogonalplanes. Purposefully designing pest control equipment to fit closelyinto corners, therefore, would promote higher pest activity in andaround the equipment.

[0076] Groove Effect: The groove found between two rows of bricks, slabsand the like creates a natural pathway for small crawling pests such asants. Explanation of this behavior can be designed into pest controlequipment by making grooves that are too small to be attractive forpests other than ants so that ants can be attracted, for example, to adifferent compartment in a pest control station than compartmentsdesigned for other pests. The groove effect can also be used to lurepests into the equipment and reduce the likelihood of pests trailingaround the outside of the equipment and missing the toxicant or otherpest control means contained in the equipment.

[0077] Outer Edge Effect: Ants are one of the few common pests thatfollow outer edges of structures, e.g., the outer edge on the top of ashelf or a vertical edge up the outer corner of a wall. This is anothermovement behavior that can be accommodated by incorporating outer edgetype structure into pest control equipment to attract ants to desiredareas in the equipment.

[0078] Ridge Effect: A raised ridge on a flat surface will direct manyrandomly foraging pests from one direction to another. This behavioraltendency can be used to direct pests such as ants from one area of apest control device to another area where ant-specific baits may belocated. This feature can help prevent certain pests from entering apest control device and exiting the device without finding the toxicantsor other pest control means contained therein. That is, without suchridges certain pests may enter and exit the device without encounteringthe pest control agents.

[0079] Cable Effect: Ants, cockroaches, and certain other groundcrawling pests also tend to travel along the upper surfaces of cables,wires, water hoses, pipes and other elongate, rounded members. This is acommon way for pests to enter a structure or quickly trail across atopographically complicated area such as a yard. This trait can beexploited by designing pest control equipment which can be mounted toelongate substantially cylindrical members that are already in placearound a structure (e.g., cable TV wires, water hoses, water pipes,etc.). Similarly, disposing rods, wires, cables, or similarsubstantially cylindrical members to project from a pest control devicein order to attract pests into the device would represent another way ofcapitalizing upon this particular behavioral pattern.

[0080] Harborage or Refuge Effect: When pests such as rodents and groundcrawling pests, e.g., cockroaches, crickets, ground beetles, centipedes,etc. first enter into a new area (such as when carried indoors withstored products or when they crawl under an exterior door), they quicklyseek shelter. The basic need to forage into new areas is driven by thesearch for food. However, when faced with new surroundings, most pestsinitially seek protection by following closely along edges of wallsuntil finding a suitable hiding site. Once secure in the new harboragethey will resume the search for food. Because of many pests' tendency tofind protection rapidly, it is possible to design equipment thatprovides an attractive “false harborage”, described in greater detailhereinafter, which can be placed at key locations where pests firstenter a structure. For instance, rodents, crickets and ground beetlesusually enter under doorways. Thus, equipment should be designed tointercept such pests just inside of doorways/garage doors. Germancockroaches and other pests, however, may first enter a grocery orrestaurant when carried in with infested boxes of supplies. These pestscan be intercepted by designing equipment that can be properlypositioned at the top of baseboards or at the bases of shelving legs.

[0081] Upward Movement Effect: Some pests such as cockroaches canreadily crawl on vertical surfaces and have a natural tendency to crawlupwards in search of harborages or food. This habit can be targeted withequipment designs by incorporating features that allow placement ontovertical surfaces and, particularly, vertical corners. Such equipmentmay include a false harborage, a tacky-surfaced trap known as aglueboard or a poisonous bait.

[0082] Downward Wall Movement and Baseboard Tracking Effect: When Germancockroaches and other pests are first introduced into a new environment(e.g., in an infested box carried into a storage room in a restaurant),they have two options of leaving the infested box and finding other foodand harborage sources. The first is to climb onto the wall and thesecond is to climb down the legs of the storage shelving. If a box istouching a wall, cockroaches' first tendency is to move upward. If thestorage area is cluttered so as to interfere with air flow and lighttransmission, the cockroaches may crawl to the ceiling line and move tothe corner. However, in many cases, there is too much air movement andlight whereby, when moving upward on the exposed wall, the cockroacheswill go back down the wall toward less air and less light. Upon turningdownward, the first straight edge a cockroach will normally encounter isthe top of the baseboard. Their tendency is then to follow the top ofthe baseboard which will lead to either a corner of a room or a doorframe. One of the most important pest control equipment design featuresfor preventing introduced cockroaches and other pests from becomingestablished indoors is the capability for attachment to the top of abaseboard. Pest control equipment placed at the top of the baseboardshould therefore serve multiple purposes including attracting pests witha false harborage, baiting the pests to kill them, and/or trapping somepests with glueboards as a monitor the extent of infestation of newlyreleased pests.

[0083] Upward or Downward Equipment Tracking Effect: Many of theharborage locations for German cockroaches within a structure such as aresidence, grocery or a commercial restaurant are associated with sinks,appliances, and shelving, as well as the frames and legs of suchequipment. This provides the ability to predict the movement ofcockroaches within such environments. The pests must leave theseharborages in search of food using one or two routes: up or down a wall,as described above, or down the legs of the equipment. As noted, pestcontrol devices may be designed for placement at the corners on top ofbaseboards which can intercept those pests moving down the wall. Stillother pest control systems may surround the base of equipment leggingwith glueboards, false harborages, baiting and/or treatment devices. Thepresent invention therefore also contemplates pest control devices thatmay surround equipment legging to prevent upward movement of cockroachesand other pests.

Pest Physiology Attractants

[0084] According to the present invention, structural provision forpheromones, food, water and other attractants can also be incorporatedinto the design of pest control equipment to better enhance theeffectiveness of traps and toxicants contained within the equipment. Airflow over such attractants is important since the ‘smell’ is transmittedby air movement. Equipment can be designed to maximize air flow over theattractant from all areas or in a particular direction (dependent onstation position). Accordingly, structural provision for pheromonal andrelated scent-based attractants may be included into pest controlequipment designs to entice specific pests to one or more specificarea(s) within the equipment. If a unit incorporates more than one pestcontrol feature (such as ant baiting area and a glueboard area), it maybe desirable to attract a certain species of pest into all chambers oronly one chamber and not others. For instance, if one wishes to monitora pest population infesting stored products such as dry pet foods, anappropriate pest pheromone must be placed directly over or on aglueboard. Otherwise, few if any pheromonally-attracted pests may becomestuck to the glueboard thereby suggesting that the infestation is light.That is, the pests will be attracted to the exact area where thepheromone is located and avoid being caught in the glueboard.

Ideal Harborage Factors

[0085] All pests have particular requirements for an ideal harboragesite which can be incorporated into pest control system equipmentdesign. Such aspects can be included into the designs of dedicated“false harborage” components or supplemental attractant features ofother dedicated components. Indeed, appreciation of a combination offactors is critical to replicating a good harborage for a particularpest. Included among the factors that add to the attractiveness of asite as a harborage include adequate moisture, shelter from excess waterand proper void size.

[0086] Adequate Moisture: Adequate moisture is one of the most importantfactors for providing a good harborage for ants and many other speciesof pests. It is imperative for most pests, however, that the moistureonly manifest itself as high humidity and not as actual standing orpooling water. In warm environments, the combination of water and heatin a harborage creates a “sauna effect” ideal for many pests such asants. Designing equipment with a small area for water to pool or collectand then evaporate with heat will increase the humidity andattractiveness of an equipment design. Equipment designed to be placednear a water source such as a downspout is another way to make equipmentmore attractive since pests frequently nest under or near downspouts.

[0087] Shelter From Excess Water: Protection from excess rain,sprinklers or downspouts is critical to an ideal harborage or stationdesign because the nest might be washed away and destroyed. Most pestsseem to sense the ability of a potential harborage to keep excess waterout and are attracted to those which suitably shield the pest fromexcess water.

[0088] Proper Void Size: Suitably sized openings, voids, or cavities ina protected area are critical to attracting certain pest species. Forexample, thigmotrophic pests need to feel their backs touch the interiorsurface of a structural void in order to find the void attractive as aharborage. Other pests prefer to excavate out a shallow amount of dirtunder a flat surface to make room for a nest. Equipment can be designedto incorporate the desired void size(s) and/or configuration(s) attractone or more species of pest(s).

Termite Biology Factors

[0089] Termites have a variety of biological factors which can affectpest control equipment design. Some factors can be incorporated in orderto make a station more attractive and therefore easier for termites tofind. Other factors can affect, for example, how a termite monitoringmaterial can best be inspected without disturbing the termites andhaving them vacate the monitoring station which might otherwise distortthe monitoring process. These two categories, factors affecting theattractiveness of a termite control device, and termites' desire toremain in a control device are discussed below:

Factors Affecting the Attractiveness of a Termite Control Device

[0090] Trackways: When subterranean termite species create foragingtunnels and encounter structures which present trackways, the termitetend to follow such structures. This behavior can be exploited in thedesign of termite control equipment by attaching rods or similarelongate members to the side or bottom of a termite station whichpreferably radiate out from the station in all directions. Suchstructure would tend to attract termites from a distance to the station.

[0091] Water: Water or high moisture can be sensed by termites fromlimited distances. Incorporating water chambers or cavities into thedesign of a termite station can add to the station's attractiveness.Water receptacles can be made to be refilled with each service ordesigned to naturally trap rain and/or sprinkler water. Stations canalso be designed to attract water to the general area to increase groundmoisture around the trap. Designs are also contemplated to render pestcontrol stations more readily installable near downspouts where the soilmoisture is higher but which also keep excess surface water out of thestations.

[0092] Food/Tunneling Materials/Inserts: Termites are attracted toinsulative and nutritive materials as habitats. As such, termitesgenerally prefer tunneling through soft wood and other substantiallyrigid, yet relatively soft materials. With this in mind, termite controlequipment may be designed to effectively incorporate one of both of softwoods and other such termite attractant materials. Rigid foam materialssuch as styrofoam and the like are attractive to termites as insulativehabitats and therefore are useful as termite attractants. However, theyare not actual food sources and may be used in conjunction with naturalwood products to produce a composite product which is especiallyattractive to termites. Moisture can be used as an added attractant byallowing a wood attractant to contact the soil thereby absorbing waterfrom the ground. Additional blocks of wood or rigid foam can also beprovided and prevented from touching the soil in order to limit theoverall rate and extent of wood rot and render the moistened block moreattractive with greater termite activity. The moisture content of foammaterials may be enhanced by including preformed holes or receptaclesinto the foam that can be refilled or capture ground water whereby waterwould function as an added attractant to the foam, particularly in dryclimates.

[0093] Ground Shadows: Subterranean termites are attracted to so-called“shadows” of large surface area objects on the ground surface. Suchobjects (such as a large rock on the ground) can be perceived as both anatural protector from rain water and a natural humidity chamber wheremoderate levels of ground water may condense. This can be exploited froma pest control system equipment design perspective by making a termitemonitoring/control devices that are large and flat and adopted forplacement on the ground surface. Ports may also be provided inside thestation that can be filled from above with water and gradually releasethe water into the ground below the station to draw pests to thestation.

[0094] Ground Level Foraging: Some species of subterranean termites mayprefer to forage close to the ground level (i.e., at the top 0-6 inchesof soil). This behavior can be exploited by equipment that has accessports relatively close to the ground level but not so close to allowsurface water from running into the station. Additionally, a trackwaysuch as a long tube or rod attached to the station may be inserted downinto the ground to lead the termites into the bottom of a station.

Factors Affecting Termites' Desire to Remain in a Control Device

[0095] If subterranean termites are disturbed after they enter amonitoring station, they may leave the food/tunneling source and notreturn thereby compromising the accuracy of the monitoring test. Manyfactors can deter termites from continuing to feed and tunnel in a givenmonitor or bait/toxicant source. Many of these factors can be lessenedby proper equipment design as discussed below.

[0096] One of the primary problems that can sufficiently disturbtermites to cause them to leave a monitoring site is the removal of thefeeding/tunneling source for routine inspections. With this in mind,equipment can be designed that makes the feeding/tunneling source easierto inspect while minimizing disturbance of the station. According to theinvention, some methods to ease inspection include the following:

[0097] Multiple Blocks of Food/Tunneling Sources: Two or more blocks ofwood and/or foam can be placed inside a station. If placed verticallyinto the ground, the blocks are separable from one another and placedupright end-to-end. In subterranean stations, the bottom block may beallowed to project through the station and contact the soil. Thisincreases the wood moisture of the bottom block. The increased woodmoisture of the bottom block will increase the amount of termiteactivity therein. Therefore, the top block can be removed for closerinspection without disturbing the primary termite activity in the bottomblock. Such multiple block method also creates an ideal void between theblocks which termites will naturally tube over with mud tunnels in orderto maintain constant moisture levels between the blocks. This void iseasily inspected when removing the top block.

[0098] Similarly, an above-ground, horizontal station design mayincorporate two or more blocks of food or tunneling material to providelaid side-by-side or one on top of the other such that at least oneblock contacts the soil. The space between the blocks as well as allexterior surfaces of each block may be easily inspected withoutsignificantly disturbing the other block.

[0099] Additionally, predrilling or preforming hole(s) into wood orfoam, whether the monitors are disposed vertically or horizontally willincrease the total outer surface area for termites to forage and tubeover. And, when termites tunnel or tube inside the wood or foam, it isimpossible to detect from a visual inspection of the exterior surfaces.The more surface area of the wood that can be exposed, therefore, thegreater the number of exterior surfaces upon which termites can tubewith mud tunnels for easy visual detection. Accordingly, holespreferably extending from the top to the bottom of any wood or foammaterial which can be tubed over are also desirable.

[0100] Slots, notches, grooves and the like may also be provided in thesides of vertical or horizontal food/tunneling materials to enhancetubing on the outside surfaces of such materials. Slots that areapproximately ⅛ inch to ½ inch in width and depth, provide ideal termitetubing surfaces. Such slots are relatively easy for termites to tube upbecause the slot can be completely covered with less energy and mud.This accelerates the development of tubes on the outside of a surfaceand reduces and may eliminate the need to remove the material forinspections. Similar formations may also be included on any preformed orpredrilled holes provided in the food/tunneling materials. Providingslots on the block periphery and/or on any preformed or predrilled holesmay significantly increase the total surface area for tubing andinspectability.

[0101] Termites may also be “out-competed” for a particular food/sheltersource by other pests such as ants and slugs. The present inventioncontemplates pest control equipment which avoids this situation byinterfacing or incorporating above ground and/or below groundtermite-specific components with general or specific insectbaiting/toxicant housing components to prevent the non-termite pestsfrom invading the termite components.

Rodent Biology Factors

[0102] Rodents such as mice, voles, rats, and moles all have behaviorsthat are predictable. These behavioral patterns can be exploited byincorporation of rodent-attractive features into pest control equipmentdesign. Behaviors of mice that may be capitalized upon by use of thepest control system of the present invention include the following:

[0103] Edge-of-Wall Effect: Most rodents, like many other crawling pestsdiscussed above, like to travel close to the base of a wall or othersubstantially vertical surface for protection and guidance. As anadditional protective measure, they especially prefer narrow passagewaysnext to walls. Accordingly, equipment can be designed that “funnels”rodents from the edge of a wall into a rodent control station. Apassageway can also be designed into rodent control equipment whichcreates a dark runway for rodents to traverse before entering the actualtrap area.

[0104] Hole Exploration: Many types of rodents have a curious naturewith respect to unexplored holes. Holes represent potential nestingareas and food. Designing equipment with the proper size opening isimportant as is the provision of a dark hole that creates a mysteriousappeal to lure the curious rodent inside.

[0105] Acquired Avoidance Response to Glueboards: Rodents can developlearned behavior toward glueboards and other tacky surfaces whichenables them to identify and avoid such materials. They can also escapefrom tacky surfaces if not sufficiently trapped thereon. The bestcircumstances under which to trap rodents with glueboards is when theyare in a hurry and do not carefully investigate their surroundings priorto undertaking a certain course of action. Rodent behavioral and/orphysiological factors to be considered in the design of an effectiverodent glueboard monitoring/trapping station include the following:

[0106] Guard Hairs Touching Glue Surfaces: If a rodent approaches aglueboard while casually exploring an area, it will stop and investigatea glueboard surface. The rodent will reach its front foot over theglueboard. The lower guard hairs on the undersides of the rodent's footwill be pulled when they touch the glue surface. This will alert therodent not to proceed onto the surface. If, however, a rodent can beforced to be committed to enter into an opening without the benefit offirst feeling the top of the surface, trap catches on the glueboards canbe increased. According to a presently preferred embodiment, therefore,the modular pest control system according to the invention, includes a“launch pad” on the outside of the entranceway of the glueboardcomponent. The launch pad is specifically designed to be too high andtoo far away from the glue surface for the rodent to touch or test theglueboard surface with the guard hairs on undersides of its legs. Thatis, the rodent must decide to take the risk and jump down into theopening to further investigate which traps the rodent on the glueboard.

[0107] Self-Extraction from Glue Surfaces: Rodents can frequently pullthemselves off of most glue surfaces,—particularly when only one tothree legs are trapped. Recognizing this, the present inventioncontemplates a rodent control device that reliably traps all four legsat once. For instance, equipment can be designed to make the surfacesaround the glue surface too slick or smooth for a rodent to use forleverage for pulling itself off of the glue surface.

[0108] Response to Snap Traps: It is a common knowledge that snap trapswork when rodents try to steal food from the trigger thereby setting offthe dead fall arm. However, a rodent can also be trapped while trying tosteal nesting materials (e.g., cotton, foam, or the like) or when theymerely accidentally contact the trigger.

[0109] Rodents can escape the dead fall arm of a snap trap if thetrigger is not sensitive enough or if the spring is too light and doesnot trap the rodent efficiently. Rodent control equipment can thus bedesigned to house snap traps and increase their success by building aneffective trigger into the station design for better securing methodswith the food or nesting materials.

[0110] Rodents can also be trapped in a snap trap if they are in a hurryand run into or onto a trap trigger. The present invention proposesrodent equipment designs that encourage rodents to jump through anopening and land on the trigger in a manner similar to the launch paddescribed above.

[0111] Hoarding Bait: Rodents are known to hoard food if they find afresh source. This can be a problem with rodenticidal baits because thebait can be carried away by a rodent and dropped onto a surface such asa restaurant food preparation table and the like, thereby contaminatingthe surface. The present invention includes rodent control equipmentdesigns that can prevent hoarding by either securing the bait inside anenclosed area or with a wire so that the rodent can only eat what isavailable at the station and cannot carry off larger pieces.

Flea Biology Factors

[0112] Fleas are attracted, particularly from their pupae form onward,by heat, carbon dioxide, light or any combination thereof. Equipment cantherefore be designed to include any or all of these attractants formonitoring and/or low-level control of fleas. Because of their lifecycle, Insect Growth Regulators or IGRs can be used to interrupt thecycle and prevent future offspring or inhibit development through one ormore stages. These IGRs are volatile and can be dissipated with air flowover a compartment with a station. Adult fleas move by jumping, notcrawling. Therefore, equipment designed to trap fleas that are attractedinside an enclosed space should have a large opening to allow easyaccess to the glue surface or bait/toxicant. If the top of thecompartment with the glue needs to be covered, it can be coveredpartially with a tunneled lid that causes fleas to slide down the funneland onto a tacky glue surface which may also include a bait and/ortoxicant substance.

Ant Feeding Behaviors

[0113] Ants are interdependent social insects which have diverse dietaryrequirements. Many ant species typically require protein, sugars, otherinsects, plants, honeydew (from aphids) and oils on a regular yetvariable basis. The foraging ants of a colony are instructed throughchemical cues as to the type of food source the colony needs at anyparticular time. These needs may change daily, hourly or even morefrequently depending on the species, time of year, availability of foodsources, etc. Because of their seeming randomness, these changingdietary needs are currently impossible to predict with reliability byeven the most sophisticated scientific techniques. However, to increasethe likelihood of ant attraction, equipment can be designed to house asmany different known ant food sources in as many physical consistenciesas possible. In addition, equipment can be designed to attach to plantsand trees to take advantage of the plants as additional food sources.Equipment may also be designed to attract and trap other insects andpests which can also provide an additional food source for ants in thatthey may feed on the dead pests.

[0114] With the foregoing considerations in mind, the reader's attentionis directed to FIG. 1 which reveals a first aspect of a modular pestcontrol system constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0115] The modular pest control system is identified generally byreference numeral 10 and includes a first component 12, a secondcomponent 14 and resilient means 16 for releasably connecting the firstand second components. In accordance with this particular embodiment,first component 12 is a pest control device and second component 14serves as means for securing the first component to an object.

[0116] Within the context of the present invention, the “objects” towhich the first component 12 may be secured may include, withoutlimitation, interior and exterior building surfaces and materials,poles, pipes, cables, trees and other vegetation, and targeted areas ofsoil. As embodied in FIG. 1, first component 12 is a ground crawlingpest control device. A “ground crawling pest” shall be construed toinclude ground crawling insects and similar creatures including, withoutlimitation, ants, cockroaches, crickets, ground beetles, earwigs,ladybugs, fleas (although adult fleas move by jumping rather thancrawling or walking), spiders, centipedes, millipedes, slugs, and flyinginsects which may land and crawl or walk into a ground crawling pestcontrol device such as first component 12. A ground crawling pest withinthe present context, however, shall not include termites or rodents.

[0117] Furthermore, the act of “controlling” any pest referred to hereinshall include any one or more of attracting, repelling, monitoring,trapping and killing of the pest. Similarly, “pest control means” or“pest control material”, as used herein, may include any device ormaterial for effectuating the desired pest control. Such means andmaterials may include, without limitation, snap traps for trappingand/or killing rodents, tacky-surfaced glue boards for trapping rodentsor ground crawling pests, water and edible toxicants for any pestdiscussed herein, nutritive and/or insulative shelter material fortermites, pheromones and related scent-based pest attractants, carbondioxide for attracting termites and fleas, and light sources forattracting fleas.

[0118] Additionally, according to several additional embodiments of thepresent modular pest control system described hereinafter, firstcomponent 12 may comprise a pest control device capable of controllingat least one species of ground crawling pest, termite and/or rodent, andsecond component 14 may be another pest control device, e.g., asubterranean termite tube.

[0119] As embodied in FIG. 1, second component 14 is a soil anchor 18for securing the first component 12 to the earth and resilient means 16comprises at least one or, more preferably, two or more spring clips 20.Each spring clip comprises a flexible member terminating in a lip 22which is configured to engage with cooperating structure to releasablyconnect the first and second components 12, 14. The spring clips 20 maybe separate from the first and/or second components 12, 14 but arepreferably carried thereby so as to prevent misplacement of the clips.More preferably, the spring clips are formed integrally with the firstor second components 12, 14, which components are preferably fabricatedfrom high-impact, UV-inhibited polypropylene or similar high strengthmoldable plastic material. As illustrated, spring clips 20 arepreferably upwardly directed resilient members which are carried by thesecond component 14 and whose lips 22 releasably engage with cooperatingstructure in the form of mating recesses 24 carried by the firstcomponent 12 which are adapted for receiving the lips 22. It will beunderstood, however, that the relative positions of one or more of thespring clip(s) 20 and recess(es) 24 may be reversed, i.e., at least onespring clip 20 may be carried by the first component 12 and at least onecorresponding recess 24 may be carried by the second component 14.

[0120] Soil anchor 18 comprises a spike member 26 having a longitudinalaxis “A”, a first end 28 which functions as a soil penetration tip and asecond end 30 which functions as a support for an undersurface for thefirst component 12. Soil anchor 18 further comprises one or more meansfor enhancing retention of the spike member 26 in soil. Preferably, thesoil retention enhancing means may comprise at least one or, moredesirably, a plurality of radial vanes 32 extending between the firstand second ends 28, 30. Although not necessary, it is preferred that thevane(s) 32 taper from the second end 30 to first end 28 of spike member26. The soil retention enhancing means further preferably comprise atleast one barb 34 provided along the outer edge of at least one of theradial vanes 32. Additionally, at least one of the barbs 34 furtherpreferably includes a projection 36 extending generally coincident withthe barb and protruding laterally with respect to its associated vane 32to further enhance retention of the spike member 26 in soil. Otheroptional and preferable soil retention means may include at least oneaperture 38 provided in one or more of the vanes 32.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 2, wherein like or similar reference numeralsdesignate like or similar elements, as is true throughout the remainingviews, there is shown another soil anchor 18 a which is suitable for useas a second component for securing a first component such as the pestcontrol device 12, or other pest control devices described hereinafter,to soil. Soil anchor 18 a is preferably fabricated from the same orsimilar materials as soil anchor 18 of FIG. 1. Likewise, soil anchor 18a preferably includes spring clips 20 and some or, more preferably, allof the soil retention enhancement means described above in respect toFIG. 1. For brevity of description and clarity of illustration,therefore, only those elements of soil anchor 18 a which are not presentin soil anchor 18, which are not readily visible in FIG. 1 or which areotherwise necessary for a proper understanding of the present invention,will be described in detail and identified by reference numerals in FIG.2. A similar approach will also be taken in the description andillustration of other drawing figures herein which contain common and atleast once disclosed subject matter.

[0122] The second or upper end of soil anchor 18 a (and soil anchor 18)preferably includes a support plate 40 disposed in a plane extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A (FIG. 1) andadapted for contacting the undersurface of a pest control device such asfirst component 12 of FIG. 1. Support plate 40 may assume anycurvilinear and/or rectilinear shape, e.g., circular as shown in FIG. 2,that is suitable for providing stable support of the first pest controldevice component of the modular pest control system of the presentinvention.

[0123] According to presently preferred embodiments of the modular pestcontrol system according to the invention, means are provided forestablishing a gap between the undersurface of a first pest controldevice component and a second component such as soil anchors 18 or 18 ato permit water drainage therebetween and, possibly, provide a harboragefor pests. Although the gap establishing means may be provided on theundersurface of the first component, presently preferred designscontemplate provision of such means atop the second or upper end of thesoil anchors 18 or 18 a. More particularly, suitable gap establishingmeans comprise at least one raised formation 42 provided on the uppersurface of support plate 40. To provide effective water drainage andmaintain a low profile of first component 12, the raised formation(s) 42should be less than about {fraction (1/10)} inch and preferably lessthan about {fraction (1/20)} inch in height.

[0124] Soil anchor 18 a is designed for anchorage in somewhat softersoils than soil anchor 18. As such, it should be more elongated fordeeper penetration into the soil and desirably includes, adjacent itslower or penetration end, a pair of laterally projecting pivot pins 44(only one of which is shown in FIG. 2) for pivotally supporting anoptional, generally duck bill shaped toggle member 46 shown in FIGS. 3through 6.

[0125] Although not always necessary, there may be times when the soilis so loose that toggle member 46 is useful for proper anchorage of thefirst component. Toggle member 46 is preferably semiconic including anarcuate wall 48 bounded by a pair of wings 50 which include openings 52for receiving pivot pins 44 of soil anchor 18 a in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 6. Toggle member 46 may be fabricated from anysuitable substantially rigid metallic or plastic material.

[0126] To install a modular pest control system according to the presentinvention in soil, therefore, a user selects an appropriate first pestcontrol device component 12 and second soil anchor component 18 or 18 a.If toggle member 46 is also necessary, it must be first attached to thepivot pins 44 of soil anchor 18 a. Then the user may connect the firstand second components 12, 14 by overcoming the spring force of resilientmeans 16 until the lips 22 of the spring clips 20 snap into engagementwith recesses 24. The first and second components may then be manuallypressed or gently pounded as a unit into the soil until the second endof the spike member is substantially flush with the ground surface (or,if present, the undersurface or the support plate 40 is in substantialcontact with the ground surface). Alternatively, the appropriate soilanchor 18 or 18 a may be inserted into the soil to the desired depth andthe first pest control component may be attached thereto in the mannerdescribed above. Thereafter, the system may remain effectively embeddedin the soil throughout the intended service life of the pest controldevice.

[0127] In the event the modular pest control system according to theinvention is to be anchored in especially hard soil, a punch tool 54constructed substantially as illustrated in FIG. 7 may be used toinitially pierce the soil to facilitate subsequent insertion of a vanedsoil anchor such as anchor 18. Punch tool 54 is preferably formedsubstantially entirely of a hard and rugged plastic or metal material.For greatest penetrability results and service life punch tool isdesirably formed from steel. The punch tool includes an elongate bar 56having a longitudinal axis “B” and first and second ends 58 and 60,respectively. First end 58 functions as a soil penetration tip andsecond end 60 functions as a striking surface for an unillustratedstriking tool such as a hammer or the like which is used to drive thepunch tool 54 into the hard soil.

[0128] The punch tool 54 also preferably includes means 62 for limitingpenetration of the tool into soil. Suitable means 62 may include a plateextending substantially perpendicular to bar 56. Alternatively, means 62may, as illustrated, assume the form of an annular ring affixed to theupper end(s) of one or more vanes 64. Vanes 64 are preferablysubstantially parallel to longitudinal axis B of bar 56 and projectradially therefrom adjacent first end 58. The vanes 64 should correspondin number, angular disposition and general configuration to the vanes,e.g., vanes 32, provided on the vaned soil anchor such as anchor 18.Following pounding of the punch tool into the soil and removaltherefrom, the selected soil anchor may be inserted by pressing or lighttapping of the anchor into the hole left by the punch tool.

[0129]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a gap or void 66 which commonlyforms when soil 68 dries, contracts and separates from the foundation ofa building 70. It may oftentimes be necessary to place a modular pestcontrol system according to the invention closely adjacent the building70 under such dry soil conditions. Consequently, the present inventioncontemplates a soil anchor shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 which is particularlysuited for such purposes.

[0130] As seen in those figures, the soil anchor, identified byreference numeral 18 b, includes a spike number 26 including resilientmeans 16 at the second or upper end thereof adapted for releasableconnection to an unillustrated first pest control device component. Thespike member 26 includes a plurality, preferably three, barbed vanes 32desirably incorporating at least some of the additional soil retentionenhancement means discussed above as well as a support plate 40including drainage gap establishment means 42.

[0131] As is most clearly shown in FIG. 10, the spike member 26 is notcentered under the overlying support plate 40 and has no rearwardlyprojecting vane. Hence, the soil anchor 18 b may be inserted into thegap 66 such that the rear face of the spike member 26 essentially abutsthe face of the building 70. This enables firm anchorage of the modularpest control system in the soil gap 66 while keeping the unillustratedfirst pest control component closer to the building, which enableseffective exploitation of the “edge-of-wall” effect discussedhereinabove.

[0132]FIGS. 11 and 12 reveal another presently preferred embodiment of asecond component 14 suitable for securing the first component 12 of themodular pest control system 10 of the present invention to an object.According to this embodiment, the object may include, withoutlimitation, any substantially vertical interior or exterior buildingsurface or material, pole, tree trunk or other large and sturdyvegetation. Accordingly, second component 14 is desirably formed as arigid, angled metal plastic bracket 72 including a first componentsupport plate 40 integrally connected to a mounting plate 74. Supportplate 40 preferably includes resilient means 16 and drainage gapexpansion means 42 for the reasons discussed herein above. Mountingplate 74 preferably includes a plurality of through-bores 76, slots 78or other similar openings to permit passage therethrough of suitableunillustrated fasteners such as screws, nails or the like for securingthe bracket 72 to an object. The rear face of the mounting plate mayalso be fitted with double-sided pressure adhesive tape or even suctioncups (not shown) to enable ready mounting of the bracket to especiallysmooth walls or panes of glass. Mounting of the bracket 72 on trees andsimilar vegetation is often advantageous in that may place the firstpest control component close to flowers, fruits or other vegetablematter that may be highly attractive to certain species of pests.

[0133]FIGS. 13 through 16 reveal a presently preferred construction of abase portion or simply, “base” 80 of a ground crawling pest controldevice suitable for use as the first component 12 of the modular pestcontrol system 10 of FIG. 1 or other embodiments of such systemdescribed hereinafter.

[0134] Base 80 preferably includes the aforementioned recesses 24 (FIGS.13, 14 and 15) for matingly receiving the lips 22 of resilient springclips 20 (FIG. 1). In addition, as perhaps best appreciated by referenceto FIG. 21, base 80 is preferably releasably connectable to a coverportion or, simply, “cover” 82 of the ground crawling pest devicethrough resilient means 84. Resilient means 84, similar to resilientmeans 16 described above, may include one or more spring clips 86 whichare preferably fixedly attached to one or both of the base 80 and cover82 and which termination in lips 88 which are adapted to engage withcorresponding recess(es) 90 provided one or both of the base 80 andcover 82.

[0135] According to a presently preferred construction, resilient clipmeans 84 comprises two or more upwardly directed resilient spring clipmembers 86 which are carried by base 80 (FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 21) whoselips 88 releasably engage with mating recesses 90 carried by the cover82 (FIGS. 17, 18, 20 and 21).

[0136] As discussed hereinabove, ants have variable dietary needs whichmay change daily, hourly or even more frequently depending, withoutlimitation, on the species, time of year, availability of food sources,and the like. In addition to or perhaps concomitant with theirnutritional needs, ants have also shown tendencies for consumption offoods of various physical consistencies ranging from solid or granularto semisolid to viscous liquids or syrups. This phenomenon may also be acharacteristic of other species of ground crawling pests. Recognizingthis, the base 80 preferably incorporates at least two or more areas ofdistinct constructions particularly adapted for accommodating differentpest control materials (typically toxic baits) of differing physicalconsistencies.

[0137] More specifically, base 80 preferably comprises at least a firstarea 92, typically the area of greatest volume, defining a firstconstruction for receiving a quantity of solid or granular material 94(FIG. 13). As shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, first area 92 is preferablyformed as an annular chamber having a porous floor. The porous floor maybe created by a plurality of holes 96 disposed about the floor of thearea or chamber 92. A porous floor is essential for storing granularbait materials because standing water in chamber 92 would quickly resultin waterlogging and decay of the material.

[0138] Existing molding techniques, however, do not consistently andreliably produce openings of a small enough size to retain granularmaterial within the chamber 92 yet permit proper water drainagetherethrough. Consequently, openings 96 should have individual andcollective areas sufficient to permit unrestricted passage of water.However, when made of this size, which is readily obtainable byconventional molding processes, holes 96 are usually larger than thegrains of bait material to be retained in chamber 92. To prevent loss ofgranular bait material, therefore, the ground crawling first pestcontrol component according to the present invention further preferablyincludes a removable annular screen 98 (FIGS. 1 and 21) made of metal orplastic and adapted to lie on the floor of the chamber 92 beneathgranular bait material. The screen 98 should have openings sufficient topermit passage of water and resist passage of the granular pest controlmaterial 94. Alternatively, the granular pest control material 94 mayalso be prepackaged in a screened bag or similar container which can beplaced in chamber 92.

[0139] Base 90 is further preferably provided with at least oneadditional area having at least one additional constructionsubstantially different from the porous-floored first construction ofchamber 92. The at least one additional area is adapted for receiving aquantity of at least one additional pest control material having atleast one physical consistency substantially different from the granularmaterial 94 which is adapted for storage within chamber 92. Hence,because both semisolid and liquid materials have been observed tofunction well at certain times as ant attractants (and one or the othermay also serve as attractants for other ground crawling pests), base 90also preferably comprises designated areas structurally adapted forreceiving semisolid and liquid, typically viscous liquid, pest controlmaterials.

[0140] The first of these additional areas has a construction adapted toreceive semisolid pest control materials including, but not limited to,tacky pastes, gels, caulks and other materials that generally have ahigh water content but retain their shape and resist running, even ifapplied on vertical surfaces or on the undersides of any “ceilingsurfaces” of a pest control device. This first additional area may be acontinuous or discontinuous annular support surface or ledge 100preferably(formed at least one or both of the inner and outer redialperipheries of first chamber 92 at a predetermined height from the floorof the first chamber. Support surface 100 is adapted to receive aquantity of at least one semisolid bait, identified by reference numeral102 in FIG. 13, which is physically separate from the first chamber 92yet still accessible to most ground crawling pests including ants.

[0141] The second additional area, reference numeral 104 has anadditional construction different from both the first, open-bottomchamber 92 and support surface 100. The second additional area 104 ispreferably formed as a closed-bottom chamber adapted for receiving aquantity of liquid pest control material 106 (FIG. 13). Such materialsmay include thin liquid materials such as baited or unbaited water tocomparatively viscous water-, syrup- or jelly-based liquid baits. Ifdesired, the upper edge of chamber 104 may be provided with one or moresmall notches or similar openings 108 of a size sufficient to permitingress into the chamber 104 by ants to the substantial exclusion ofother ground crawling pests. For compactness, the first area 92, thefirst additional area 100 and the second additional area 104 arepreferably concentrically disposed with respect to one another.

[0142] Additionally, although not illustrated, at least one of the firstarea 92, the first additional area 100 and the second additional area104 may comprise a plurality of discrete zones. For example, screen 98may have two or more upstanding dividers which separate chamber 92 intoat least two zones. In this way, any of the first area 92 and the firstand second additional areas 100, 104 may receive a plurality ofgranular, semisolid and liquid pest control materials, respectively.Among the advantages provided thereby include the ability to separatebaits of similar physical consistency which may be incompatible with oneanother or are tailored for different species of ground crawling pest,and the ability to perform product evaluation. For instance, granularant baits may be contaminated by slug baits and can be isolatedtherefrom by suitable dividers provided in the first chamber. And,several different competitive brands of granular, semisolid and/orliquid baits may be placed in the same pest control device to determinewhich brands are subject to the greatest consumption and, therefore,most favored by the targeted species of ground crawling pest.

[0143] The outer circumferential wall 110 of first chamber 92 isdiscontinuous to define at least one pest access opening 112. The pestaccess opening(s) 112 are elevated with respect to the floor of thefirst chamber a distance sufficient to enable an ample volume ofgranular material to be placed in the chamber. Base 80 furtherpreferably comprises at least one entrance ramp 114 (FIG. 14) providedon the upper surface of the base which begins at the outer peripheraledge 116 of the base and terminates at least one pest access opening112. The entrance ramps 114 are preferably upwardly inclined from theouter peripheral edge 116 of base 80 to pest access openings 112 at anangle of between about 5° to about 30° from horizontal.

[0144] Although ramps 114 may have generally non-descript travelsurfaces, it is desirable that the ramps include means for attracting atleast one species of ground crawling pest. Such pest attracting meansmay include means for attracting ants and other pests. For example theramps 114 may comprise at least one grove 118 of a size and shape,including suitable width and height, to attract and accommodate ants tothe substantial exclusion of other ground crawling pests. At the mouthof each groove 118, the height of the outer peripheral edge 116 of base80 is preferably less than about {fraction (1/16)} inch. Since avertical surface greater than about {fraction (1/16)} inch in heightappears as a wall to ants, by making the mouth of the grooves 118 lessthan about {fraction (1/16)} inch high, ants will be encouraged to enterthe grooves rather than foraging around the base 80 and avoiding entryinto the pest control device.

[0145] As depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pest attracting means oframps 114 further preferably comprise at least one juncture including asubstantially vertical wall surface 120 contiguous with a floor surface122 extending substantially laterally with respect to the wall surface112. Such junctures enable ground crawling pests to contact the surfaces120 and 122 as they traverse a ramp 114 to effectively exploit theedge-of-wall effect discussed hereinabove. To encourage entry of groundcrawling pests other than ants onto the ramps 114, the outer peripheraledge 116 at the juncture of surfaces 120 and 122 preferably has a heightof greater than about {fraction (1/16)} inch. Indeed, other than at themouths of grooves 118, the outer peripheral edge 116 of base 80 ispreferably greater than about {fraction (1/16)} inch in height toencourage all species of ground crawling pests to follow the outerperipheral edge and thereby encounter and enter at least one entranceramp 114.

[0146] Furthermore, as most clearly depicted in FIG. 14, the outerperipheral edge preferably has a least one straight portion 124 topromote substantial abutting contact of the pest control device,including base 80, with a substantially linear wall at a structure inneed of insect control, e.g., building 70 of FIGS. 8 and 10. Thisfeature exploits the edge-of-wall effect in that a ground crawling pesttraveling along the base of a wall with which the straight portion 124of base 80 is in abutting contact will encounter the base and likelyenter, or at least investigate, the pest control device.

[0147] An additional advantage arising from the provision of upwardlysloping ramps 114 and other raised floor surfaces of base 80 is thatharborages may be created which may be attractive to certain species ofground crawling pests. For example, these harborages may include firstvoid spaces 126 (FIGS. 15 and 16) formed beneath the ramps 114 and otherouter regions of the base 80 contiguous with the ramps. The first voidspaces 126 may range from about {fraction (1/32)}″ to about ¾″ in depthand are useful in attracting a variety of ground crawling pestsincluding large pests such as slugs, crickets and the like to smallerthigmotrophic pests such as some ants, earwigs, cockroaches and thelike.

[0148] An additional preformed harborage is a substantially vertical andannular second void space 128 that may be provided between the adjacentinner and outer walls of the first area 92 and the second additionalarea 104, respectively, and underlying the first additional area 100.Second void space 128 creates a void for ants and other pests whichserves as protection from excess surface water but which provides ahumid environment conducive to egg and larval development.

[0149] As seen in FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 21 base 80 may also includesocket means 130 for matingly receiving pins or similar projections 132(see also FIGS. 19 and 20) provided on the undersurface of cover 92 tofacilitate alignment and connection of base 80 and cover 82.Additionally, FIGS. 1 and 15 reveal that base 80 further preferablyincludes cam means 134 or similar inclined surfaces for urging flexureof the at least one spring clip 20 of resilient means 16 to facilitateconnecting of the first and second components 12, 14.

[0150]FIGS. 17 through 21 represent a presently preferred constructionof a cover 82 suitable for use in a ground crawling pest control deviceaccording to the instant invention. Similar to base 80, the outerperipheral edge of cover 82 is preferably constructed with a straightportion 138. Straight portion 138 is adapted to vertically align withand not overhang the straight portion 124 of base 80 such that theassembled base and cover may be brought into substantial abuttingcontact with the structure in need of crawling insect protection.

[0151] The upper surface of cover 82 may include one or more areas 140adapted for receiving indicia-bearing stickers or the like.Alternatively, areas 140 can be molded, stamped or otherwise formed todisplay desired indicia such as advertisements, product information, andthe like. Cover 82 may also include a preformed socket 142 for receivingthe lower end of a flag, standard or the like for preventing loss of thepest control device when buried in mulch, wood chips, stones or otherlandscaping materials. FIGS. 18 through 21 show that cover 82 furtherpreferably includes cam means 144 or similar inclined surfaces forurging flexure of the at least one spring clip 86 carried by base 80.

[0152] The undersurface of cover 82 is preferably provided with one ormore downwardly projecting alignment means 146 which preferably closelyinterengage with either the inner or, as illustrated, the outercircumferential surface of the outer peripheral wall of the first area92 of base 80 to further promote precise alignment during connection ofthe cover 82 with base 80. Further, to exploit the ridge effectdiscussed hereinabove, the undersurface of cover 82 is preferablyprovided with one or more ridge means 148 for directing ants and certainother ground crawling pests from the outer peripheral edge 136 of thecover to a location overlying at least one predetermined area of base 80containing a desired pest control material. For example, ridge means maybe useful in directing ants or other small ground crawling pests fromthe outer peripheral edge 136 to a region overlying the secondadditional area 104 of base 80. For best results, ridge means 148 ispreferably less than about {fraction (1/16)} inch or, more preferably,less than about {fraction (1/32)} inch in height. To ensure that onlypests of a predetermined size may enter the second additional area 104,the undersurface of cover 82 maybe provided with a downwardly dependingring or similar structure 150 which can be selected to protrude apredetermined distance from the bottom of the cover 82.

[0153] To reduce ingress of excess rain, sprinkler, downspout or othersurface water, the cover 82, except in the region of the verticallycoaligned straight portions 124, 138 of the base 80 and cover 82, ispreferably dimensioned to overhang the base 80 in the manner shown inFIG. 1.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18, and 20, the upper surface of the cover82 is desirably provided with means 152 for resisting tampering with theat least one resilient member or spring clip 86 of base 80 when thespring clip(s) 86 are engaged with the recess(es) 90 of cover 82.According to a presently preferred embodiment, the tamper resistantmeans preferably comprise least one raised formation means forinhibiting access to the lip(s) 88 of spring clip(s) 86 by humanfingers.

[0155] It is preferable that, when the base 80 and cover 82 areconnected to one another, the lips 88 of spring clips 86 are matinglyand relatively tightly received in recesses 90. To facilitate detachmentof the cover 82 from the base 80, therefore, the present inventionfurther preferably comprises a release tool 154 (FIG. 21) havinginclined surfaces 156 for urging simultaneous disengagement of the lips88 of spring clips 86 from the recesses 90 of cover 82. In using therelease tool 154, the user aligns the tool with the spring clips 86,presses down on the tool and lifts the cover 82. In so doing, the upperends of the spring clips 86 are urged outwardly along inclined surfaces156 of tool 154 to disengage the lips of 88 from recesses 90.Additionally, depending on the spacing and orientation of the springclips 20 carried by any of the second components 14 of the modular pestcontrol system of the present invention, the same or similar releasetool may also to be used to separate the first component 12 from thesecond component 14.

[0156]FIGS. 22 through 24 collectively depict an exemplary, although notlimitative, embodiment of a removable, closed-bottom receptacle means158 for receiving a quantity of a pest control material and configuredfor substantial mating placement within the first area 92 of base 80.Receptacle means 158 preferably comprises an annular cup or pan typemember 160 having an annular bottom or floor 162 bounded by inner andouter side walls 164, 166. The annular cup may be open at its top asillustrated and used by itself to hold any desired volume of granular,semisolid or liquid pest control material. However, to minimize thepotential for spillage of the pest control materials contained therein,the open top of cup 160 is preferably enclosed by a disk 168 which mayhave one or more openings 170 of predetermined size to permit ingress ofground crawling pests of certain sizes into the cup while limitingevaporation of the pest control material and increasing childresistance. Alternatively, the inner and/or outer side walls 164, 166 ofcup 160 may have openings of predetermined size in lieu of or inaddition to any holes that may be provided in disk 168. The top of thedisk 168 and the bottom of the cup 160 may be provided with indiciabearing labels 172 such that the receptacle means may assume thecommercial form shown in FIG. 23. If disk 168 is provided with openings170, the upper label 172 should be removed to expose the openings 170 asshown in FIG. 24 prior to placement of the receptacle means 158 in thefirst area or chamber 92 of the base 80. To create additional harboragevoid spaces either or both of the inner and outer side walls 164, 166and even the underside of the floor 162 of cup 160 may be provided withprotrusion means 174 for maintaining the cup in stable yet spacedrelation from the interior surfaces of the first chamber 92.

[0157] A plurality of receptacle means 158 may be stacked upon oneanother within the first chamber and may contain similar or dissimilarpast control materials. A single receptacle means 158 or a plurality ofstacked receptacle means may be selected to be of sufficient outsidewall height such that, when placed in the first area 92, the size of theat least one pest access opening 112 may be reduced from itspredetermined unrestricted size to less than the predetermined size torestrict access to the pest control device to one or more selectedspecies of ground crawling pests.

[0158]FIG. 25 represents a further use of the modular pest controlsystem 10 of the present invention. According to this embodiment, thefirst area 92 is fitted with a plurality of generally annular,disk-shaped, tacky-surfaced glueboards 176 which may be supported invertical spaced relation by a rack 178 having radial support spokes 180.It will be understood that the first area 92 may receive a singleglueboard and any other pest control material receiving areas of thebase 80 may also be fitted with one or more glueboards of appropriatedimensions.

[0159]FIG. 26 illustrates a further modular pest control systemaccording to the present invention. The system, identified generally byreference numeral 10 a, comprises a first component 12 in the form of aground crawling pest control device as discussed above. The secondcomponent 14 according to this design is a subterranean termite tube182, the structural details of which will be described in greater detailin connection with FIGS. 43 and 44. And, the first and second components12, 14 may be releasably connectable to one another by the aforesaidresilient means 16.

[0160] System 10 a enables simultaneous surface control of groundcrawling pests coupled with subterranean control of termites. Termitescan be “out-competed” for pest control materials by certain groundcrawling pests. An advantage to system 10 a, therefore, is that it canreduce or even prevent out-competing of termites by ants, slugs andother such pests.

[0161]FIG. 27 represents a further embodiment of a ground crawling pestcontrol device, identified generally by reference numeral 12 a,according to the present invention. Similar to pest control device 12,device 12 a includes at least two areas of structurally and functionallydistinct construction for receiving at least two pest control materialsof substantially different physical consistency.

[0162] Pests moving up or down the legs of hospital beds, kitchenequipment, sinks, food preparation tables, storage shelving and relatedstructures may be controlled using device 12 a. The device preferablyincludes an expandable and contractable boot or sleeve 184 that may beformed from natural or artificial rubber, rubber-like compounds or othersuitable elastomeric materials. The sleeve should be able to accommodatelegs of legged structures which typically range from about ½″ to about1¾″ in diameter or similar cross-sectional dimension. As illustrated,boot 184 is secured to a leg 186 of a legged structure. If desired ornecessary, a clamp or adhesive tape may be used to supplement thegripping engagement of the boot 184 to leg 186. The lower end of theboot is preferably attached to cover 188 which, in turn, is preferablyreleasably securable to a generally cylindrical body 190 the lower endof which terminates in an upwardly turned lip 192 defining annularopening 194 having a diameter sufficient to accommodate leg 186 and anyspecies of ground crawling pest likely to be found in the targetenvironment.

[0163] The undersurface of cover 188 preferably is provided with one ormore support surfaces 196 suitable for receiving desired quantities ofsemisolid, tacky bait materials which can be suspended upside down. Lip192 and the adjacent bottom structure of body 190 define an annular cup198 suitable for receiving granular or liquid baits or a suitablyconfigured glueboard. The inner wall 200 of body 190 is preferablyroughened to enhance retention of residual pesticides that may besprayed, brushed or otherwise applied thereto.

[0164] A ground crawling pest which finds leg 186 may climb the leg andinitially encounter the semisolid bait received by support surfaces 196followed, possibly, by any residual baits on the inner wall 200 of body190. Ultimately, the pest falls into the cup 198 where it may consumeadditional bait or adhere to a glueboard.

[0165]FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 depict several views of a further groundcrawling pest control device according to the invention identified byreference numeral 10 b which is especially adapted for accommodating thedownward wall movement and baseboard tracking effect of certain groundcrawling pests. Device 10 b includes a housing 202 plurality of tabs 204having openings 206 for receiving unillustrated screws, nails or similarmeans for securing the device to a substantially planar surface such asthe vertical wall surface 208 shown in FIG. 29. As also shown in thatfigure, tabs 204 may also be slid behind a baseboard 210.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 30, housing 202 is enclosable by a removablecover 212 which allows the user to place baits or related pest controlmaterials and/or glueboards in several chambers provided in the housing202. The first of these chambers includes at least one an ant-specificchamber 214 and adapted to receive granular or paste baits having holes216 sized to accommodate ants to the substantial exclusion of otherground crawling pests. At least one second chamber 218 may be sized toreceive a glueboard 220 (shown in dot-dash line) or roughened to enhanceretention of residual baits which may be sprayed, brushed or otherwiseapplied thereto. And, the at least one third chamber 222 includes atleast one support surface 224 for receiving granular or semisolidmaterials.

[0167] Device 10 b further preferably includes a funnel-like entrance226 defined by a pair of opposed ramps 228 which may include optionalraised support surfaces 230 for semisolid baits. The housing 202 andchambers 214, 218 and 222 are preferably symmetrically arranged suchthat the device 10 b may be inverted to best fit with the wall andbaseboard assembly adjacent which it is to be used.

[0168]FIGS. 31, 32 and 33 are various view of another ground crawlingpest control device according to the present invention. The device,identified generally by reference numeral 10 c, is particularly adaptedfor capturing fleas and other ground crawling pests. The devicecomprises a base 232 and a removable cover 234. The cover preferablyincludes a central funnel-shaped portion 236 which terminates in acentral opening 238. As illustrated in FIG. 31 the cover is preferablyperforated by a plurality of holes 240 for permitting release ofpheromones, growth regulators, heat, carbon dioxide, heat and/or lightwhich emanate from sources of same received in one or more compartments242 (FIG. 32).

[0169] The floor 244 of base 232 is preferably of suitable dimensions toreceive a glueboard 246 (shown in dot-dash line in FIG. 33). As alsoshown in that figure, the upstanding walls of base 232 preferablyinclude at lease one opening 248 for permitting entry into the device ofground crawling pests larger than ants. The interior of the base 232 isalso preferably provided with one or more chambers 250 for receivinggranular or liquid pest control materials. The walls of the base 232 arepreferably perforated by holes 252 adjacent chambers 250 which are sizedto accommodate ants to the substantial exclusion of other groundcrawling pests.

[0170] Although grouped herein with other ground crawling pests, adultfleas move by jumping rather than crawling. Fleas are attracted to theaforementioned attractants contained in compartments 242 and jump togain access to the attractants. The large funnel-shaped portion 236receives the jumping flea and, upon contact therewith, the flea slidesdown the wall of the funnel through opening 238 and becomes entrapped onglueboard 246.

[0171]FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate a further pest control device accordingto the invention identified generally by reference numeral 10 d. Device10 d is adapted for control of flying pests such as ladybugs which arecapable of landing and walking and other species of ground crawlingpests. Device 10 d preferably comprises a base 254 and a removable cover256 which separate the device into a first compartment 258 forcontrolling flying pests and a second compartment 260 for controllingground crawling pests, particularly ants.

[0172] Preferably, the base and cover include a first plurality of holes262 to permit ingress by ants. The interior of the second compartmentincludes first, second and third areas 264, 266 and 268 substantiallycorresponding in structure and function to the first area 92, the firstadditional area 100 and the second additional area 104 of base 80described above in connection with FIGS. 13 through 16. Ants maytherefore enter the second chamber through holes 262 and encounter avariety of granular, semisolid and/or bait materials that may becontained in second compartment 260.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 35, the side walls of first chamber 258 arepreferably perforated by holes 270 to enable release of pheromones orother scent-based attractant contained in the chamber. The first chamber258 further preferably includes a pair of opposed funnel portions 272,274. So constructed, a flying insect may either fall down into or crawlupwardly into the chamber 258 and become entrapped therein when theinsect attempts to again take flight and fails to exit the holes in thefunnel portions by virtue of its extended and moving wings anddifficulty finding the opening. Device 10 d may be affixed by adhesives,suction cups or similar means 16 (not illustrated) at locations whereflying insects are likely to be found such as window panes, doors andthe like.

[0174]FIG. 36 depicts a further pest control system according to theinvention identified generally by reference numeral 10 e. Device 10 e issuited for controlling large and small ground crawling pests. The devicepreferably comprises a first component 12 and a second component 14which may be affixed to one another or releasably connectable viaresilient means such as resilient means 16 described supra. The firstcomponent 12 is constructed and functions substantially similar to thefirst component 12 of system 10 (FIGS. 1 and 14-21).

[0175] The second component of device 10 e is preferably a pitfall trapcomprising a pair of nested funnels 276, 278 having respective outletopenings 280, 282. Second component 14 is inserted into soil to a depthsuch that an undersurface of an outer annular rim 284 thereof comes intosubstantial contact with the ground surface. The rim 284 may be formedwith one or more downwardly directed vials 286 for holding water orother liquid pest attractants. Hole 282 permits drainage of water fromthe device.

[0176] The top 288 of the pitfall trap is provided with a firstplurality of large holes 290 of a size sufficient to accommodatevirtually any size of ground crawling pest. Top 288 also includes asecond plurality of small holes 292 sized to accommodate ants to thesubstantial exclusion of other ground crawling pests. Large pests enterholes 290 and slide down funnel 276 through hole 280 and into the baseof funnel 278. The large pests cannot thereafter escape because, even ifthey successfully traverse the walls of funnel 278, they cannot exit thesmall holes 292. The large pests eventually die and provide an excellentattractant for ants which enter the holes 292 and feed on the deadpests. The ants so drawn to the device may also investigate the firstground crawling pest device 12 and consume any toxicants containedtherein.

[0177]FIGS. 37, 38, 39 and 40 illustrate a further pest control deviceaccording to the invention identified generally by reference numeral 10f. Device 10 f is designed to control at least one species of rodent andat least one species of ground crawling pest. Because device 10 f maycontain rodenticidal materials in one or more areas thereof, whichmaterials are especially toxic to humans, the interior of housing 294 ofthe device is preferably accessible only by inserting an appropriatekey-like release tool 296 into a plurality of lock or latch mechanisms298 provided in a pair of pivotally mounted access covers 300, 302.Covers 300, 302 permit the user selective access to a firstsubstantially enclosed compartment 304 for controlling rodents and atleast one additional second substantially enclosed compartment 306 forcontrolling at least one of ground crawling pests and rodents.

[0178] The first compartment includes at least one opening 308 forpermitting ingress by rodents. Rodent ingress opening(s) 308 may besized and shaped to accommodate any desired species of rodent.

[0179] Because rodents have the ability to investigate and/or freethemselves from existing trapping devices, the present inventionincorporates means to effectively ensure entrapment. Such meanscomprises a launch surface 310 disposed in advance of each opening 308which is sufficiently distant from the trapping means to prevent therodent from probing the interior of the compartment 304 with its frontpaws while retaining contact by its rear paws with the exterior of thecompartment. With the launch surface 310 sufficiently distant from thetrapping means in the compartment 304, the curious rodent must “commit”and leap with all four legs into the compartment and thereby be ensnaredby suitable trapping means. The distance of the launch surface 310 fromthe trapping means will, of course, vary depending on the species ofrodent targeted for control by device 10 f.

[0180] Rodent trapping means suitable for use in first compartment 304include one or more snap traps 312 (FIG. 38) or at least one glueboard314 (shown in dot-dash line in FIG. 40). Snap trap(s) 312 may bepermanently mounted or removably mountable on first compartment 304. Inthe event snap traps 312 are used, the height of first compartment 304will be sufficient to permit unrestricted swinging motion of the deadfall arms 314 from their set positions, as shown, to their trappingpositions. In addition, when snap traps are grouped close to oneanother, the shock which occurs from the triggering of one trap maycause inadvertent triggering of an adjacent trap, thereby disabling theadjacent trap. To avoid this eventuality, device 10 f desirably includesmeans for absorbing shock arising from triggering of one or the other ofsnap traps 312. Suitable shock absorbing means preferably comprise araised partition means 316 provided on the floor of the firstcompartment 304 between the adjacent snap traps 312.

[0181] According to a presently preferred construction, the firstcompartment 304 and the at least one additional compartment 306 aredesirably interconnected to permit passage of at least one of rodentsand ground crawling pests therebetween. Suitable means forinterconnecting the first and at least one additional compartments 304,306 preferably include at least one opening 318 (FIG. 40) to permitpassage of ground crawling pests between the first passage 304 and atleast one second compartment 320 for controlling ground crawling pests,and at least one opening 322 to permit passage of rodents between thefirst compartment 304 and at least one third compartment 324.

[0182] The at least one second compartment 320 includes a first area 326having a first construction for receiving a first pest control materialhaving a first physical consistency, e.g., a support surface forreceiving semisolid material. The at least one second compartment 320includes at least one additional area having at least one additionalconstruction substantially different from said first construction forreceiving at least one additional pest control material having at leastone physical consistency substantially different from the first physicalconsistency. For instance, the at least one additional area preferablycomprises a tray 328 for receiving granular and/or liquid pest controlmaterial. The at least one third compartment 324 preferably includes asimilar tray 330 for receiving a third pest control material, e.g., arodenticidal bait material. Trays 328, 330 are preferably removable andthe presently preferred constructions thereof are depicted in FIGS. 41and 42 discussed below. And, the third compartment preferably furtherincludes at least one of a wire 332 and a post 334 (FIG. 38) forsupporting the rodenticidal bait material in such fashion as to resistremoval and hoarding of the bait material by rodents that encounter thebait material.

[0183] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, at least one of thefirst compartment 304 and the at least one additional compartment 306comprise ramp means 336 for permitting ingress of ground crawling pestsinto the device 10 f. The at least one additional compartment 306further comprises means for restricting access via the ramp means 336 toants and other small ground crawling pests. Such access restrictingmeans preferably comprise a gap 338 having a width of between about{fraction (1/64)} to about ⅜ inch.

[0184] As revealed in FIG. 39, device 10 f may be releasably attachableto a soil anchor such as anchor 18 described above via resilient means16 for soil installations. Alternatively, the undersurface of theundersurface of the housing 294 preferably includes at least large flatarea 340 to receive double sided tape or similar adhesive means (notshown) for firmly but removably securing the device to an indoor flooror the like.

[0185]FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate on an enlarged scale a presentlypreformed construction of removable trays 328, 330 suitable for use indevice 10 f. The trays may be fabricated from polyethylene,polypropylene or other suitable moldable plastic material. The trayspreferably include one or more support flanges 342 for placementstability and tab means 344 which can be bent upwardly following moldingof the trays (FIG. 42) to facilitate grasping and, therefore, placementand removal of the trays from the second and/or third compartments 320,324 of the at least one additional compartment 306. The top portions 346of the trays may receive liquid and/or solid pest control materials andmay include partitions (not shown) to enable more than one type ofmaterial to be placed therein at one time.

[0186]FIGS. 43 and 44 reveal structural details of a presently preferredsubterranean termite tube 182 constructed in accordance with the presentinvention. Tube 182 is preferably fabricated from high-impact, UVmodified polypropylene or other suitable substantially rigid material.It is preferably constructed as a pair of elongate, substantiallysemicylindrical, mirror-image housing members 348 which are unitable awith one another to assume the tube construction shown in FIG. 44.Suitable means for joining the housing members 348 include a pluralityof resilient latch fingers 350 adapted for releasable engagement withcorresponding detents 352, whereby the fingers 350 of one housing memberreleasably engage with the detents 352 of the other housing member. Thebottom of each housing member 348 is preferably open as at 356 tofacilitate ingress of termites therein. At least the lower portion ofeach housing member desirably includes a plurality of openings 358 toprovide additional opportunities for termite access. And, the top of thetube 182 is preferably provided with resilient means 16 whereby it mayanchor and be releasably securable to a first pest control component 12in the manner shown in FIG. 26.

[0187]FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate a first preferred application of thetermite tube 182. As seen in FIG. 45 a pair of pieces of substantiallyrigid pest control material 360 such as blocks of soft woods, e.g.,spruce, fir, pine or the like, are disposed end-to-end with respect toone another. According to this embodiment the blocks 360, 362 should beunattached to one another and unattached to either of the housingmembers 348. Additionally, the lower block 360 should project from thebottom 356 of the housing members 348 such that it contacts the soil andabsorbs moisture, thereby rendering it more attractive to termites.

[0188] The disconnected arrangement of blocks 360 and 362 allows tubing,the creation of galleries and similar evidence of termite activity tooccur in the tube 182 without requiring disruptive inspection whichafter causes termites to leave existing termite monitoring systems knownin the art which distorts the accuracy of the monitoring process. Thatis, by being disconnected from one another, the user may gently slidethe upper block 362 out of the tube 182 as shown on FIG. 46. and examineit while leaving the lower block 360 in place, hence allowing thetermites therein to continue their tunneling and tubing activities withlittle on or no disturbance. The user may then gently replace the block362 or substitute it with a similarly shaped block coated or impregnatedwith a suitable termiticidal bait material. Unlike existing termitemonitoring/baiting stations wherein the monitoring material iscompletely removed and replaced by the baiting material which causesconsiderable disruption of the nest, the present invention allows someof the monitoring material to remain in situ and undisturbed throughoutthe monitoring process, thereby improving the integrity and accuracy ofthe process. Additionally, either or both of blocks 360, 362 may beprovided with at least cavity (not shown) to further promote termiteactivity therein.

[0189]FIGS. 47, 48, 49 and 50 represent several views of a termitecontrol material 364 according to the present invention which suitablefor use in termite tube 182 or similar such tubes heretofore known inthe art. Termite control material 364 is preferably fabricated fromsubstantially rigid foam material such as expanded polystyrene, or thelike. Such materials are frequently used as insulation in buildingconstruction. When used as such, these materials have been demonstrateda propensity for infestation by termites. Clearly, such materials areinsulative and thus may serve as shelter, but they also tend to releasegases such as carbon dioxide gas which may serve as an intoxicant-typeattractant to termites. Rigid foams last longer than wood because oftheir inherent resistance to rot and decay and are therefore especiallyadvantageous for use as termite control material.

[0190] Other benefits of such materials, from a manufacturingperspective, are that they are generally inexpensive, can be easilyformed with features that attract termites and can be readilyimpregnated with termicidal agents. For instance, they may be formedwith cavities such as large central cavity 366 which can increase thesurface area for termite activity and visual inspection. Smallercavities 368 may also be provided to hold attractants such as water tofurther stimulate termite activity. The cavities 366, 368 may extendentirely through the foam material 364 or, as illustrated, onlypartially therethrough. They can assume any relative size, number andarrangement; compare, for example, FIGS. 47 and 50. They can be used tostore food such as sawdust, wood or wood byproducts as additionalattractants or replaceable vials, sponges or wicks for retaining wateror other liquid. Furthermore, if sufficiently large in diameter, any ofthe cavities 366, 368 as well as the outer peripheral wall of the foammaterial may be provided with grooves, slots or similar formations 370for further stimulating termite activity in the foam.

[0191] Grooves 370 may assume essentially any cross-sectionalconfiguration but should range from about ⅛ to about ½ inch in depth andwidth to provide attractive and ideal termite tubing surfaces.

[0192]FIG. 51 illustrates a further termite control device according tothe invention identified generally by reference numeral 372. Device 372includes a housing 374 defining a pocket 376 and on open side 378. Asubstantially rigid termite control material 380 is provided in thepocket 376 and may include any of the wood or foam materials describedabove. The material 380 may include one or more cavities 382 for holdingany suitable food, water and/or bait attractants.

[0193] Housing 374 further includes means in the form of perforated tabs384 or the like for securing the housing to termite damaged wood 386 vianails, screws or similar fasteners 388. The housing is disposed suchthat the open side 378 faces the termite damaged wood 386 and thetermite control material 380 is in substantial contact with the termitedamaged wood. Housing 374 further preferably includes a removable cover390 for permitting access to the pocket 376 without detaching the device372 from the termite damaged wood. Optionally, the housing 374 may havean outer wall 392 defining a chamber 394 formed interiorly of the wallfor receiving a liquid pest control material such as water through anopening 396. Alternatively, the liquid material may be retained inchamber 394 via an unillustrated sponge or wick.

[0194]FIG. 52 reveals a further presently preferred modular pest controlsystem according to the present invention identified generally byreference numeral 10 g. System 10 g may include several of theaforedescribed first and second components 12, 14 such as the groundcrawling pest control device illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 21, thesoil anchor 18 of FIG. 1 and/or the subterranean termite tube 182 ofFIGS. 43 and 44 (including foam material 364).

[0195] In addition, FIG. 52 reveals further features of the inventionwhich may be used alone or in combination with any of the othercomponents or elements thus far described. For example, the severalfirst components 12 of FIG. 52 may connected to a common base 398.Moreover, the centralmost first component illustrated may be asubstantially horizontally oriented pest control device 400 which mayinclude means for releasably connecting device 400 to termite tube 182.Termite control device 400 resembles a substantially inverted bowl andcomprises a housing 402 of at least about 3 inches to about 18 inches orgreater in length, width or diameter to produce a large ground “shadow”attractive to may pests. Housing 402 further desirably includesremovable cover 404 for enabling access to a pocket 406 which maysupport one or more blocks 408 of substantially rigid wood or foamtermite control material which may include one or more of the cavitiesand/or slots discussed hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 47 through50. Common base 398 includes one or more openings 410 to permit ingressof termites into device 400.

[0196] Because of the above-described cable effect, many ground crawlingpest and termites tend to travel along the upper surfaces of pipes,cables, hoses and the like whether disposed at or beneath the groundsurface. Device 10 g accommodates this pest movement behaviorcharacteristic through the provision of at least one substantiallycylindrical trackway means 412. the trackway means 412 may be attachedto one or more of the pest control devices illustrated in FIG. 52 andproject therefrom in any desired direction and at any desired angle.

[0197] The trackway means may be flexible, semirigid or rigid any maycomprise rods, tubes, wires, cords or strings. Suitable materials fortrackways 412 may include rigid or bendable metals and plastics andother natural or artificial materials.

[0198]FIG. 53 reveals a further modular pest control system according tothe invention, identified generally by reference numeral 10 h, which isin many respects similar to system 10 g of FIG. 52. In the system ofFIG. 53, however, the substantially horizontally disposed termitecontrol device, herein identified by reference numeral 400 a includes ahousing 402 a having one or more internal chambers 414 for receivingwater or, alternatively, bait materials for pests other than termites.The chambers may also include pest access/drip holes 416 to allow thepest attractants such as water to drain from the chambers 414 andattract pests to the area below the station. Similarly, the housing ofthe subterranean termite tube 182 may include water or similar pestattractant chamber means 418 and drip holes 420.

[0199] In addition, trackway means 412 do not have to be attached to thedevice to obtain the benefits of the cable effect. Accordingly, theproximate ends thereof may be spaced a short distance from the device asreflected in FIG. 53. Somewhat greater latitude may then be afforded theuser in how the trackway means may be disposed with respect to thedevice.

[0200] It will be understood that, to the extent it may be desirable ornecessary for effective pest control, any of the various elements andcomponents disclosed herein may be used with any other such elements orcomponents where such use is structurally and functionally feasible.

[0201] Although the invention has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail issolely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention except as it may be limited by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for controlling at least one species ofground crawling pest, said device comprising: a first area having afirst construction adapted for receiving a quantity of a first pestcontrol material having a first physical consistency; and at least oneadditional area having at least one additional constructionsubstantially different from said first construction, said at least oneadditional area being adapted for receiving a quantity of at least oneadditional pest control material having at least one additional physicalconsistency substantially different from said first physicalconsistency.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said first pest controlmaterial is granular material and said first construction comprises aporous floor.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said porous floorcomprises a plurality of holes disposed about said floor, said devicefurther comprising screen means for supporting said first pest controlmaterial and disposable between said floor surface and said first pestcontrol material, said screen means having openings sufficient to permitpassage of water and resist passage of said first pest control material.4. The device of claim 2 wherein said at least one additional pestcontrol material is at least one of semisolid material and liquidmaterial, and said at least one additional area comprises at least oneof a support surface for semisolid material and a closed-bottom chamberfor liquid material.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein said closed-bottomchamber has at least one opening along an upper edge thereof of a sizesufficient to permit ingress by ants to the substantial exclusion ofother ground crawling pests.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein said firstarea and said at least one additional area are concentrically disposedwith respect to one another.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein at leastone of said first area and said at least one additional area comprise aplurality of discrete zones for respectively receiving a plurality ofsaid first pest control materials and a plurality of said at least oneadditional pest control materials.
 8. The device of claim 2 furthercomprising removable, closed-bottom receptacle means for receiving aquantity of said at least one additional pest control material andconfigured for placement in said device.
 9. The device of claim 8wherein said receptacle means is configured for substantial matingplacement within said first area.
 10. The device of claim 8 wherein saidreceptacle means has a top wall and opposed side walls extending betweensaid top wall and said enclosed bottom, wherein at least one of saidside walls and said top wall includes at least one opening ofpredetermined size to restrict access to one or more selected ones ofsaid at least one species of ground crawling pest.
 11. The device ofclaim 8 wherein said receptacle means has an open top.
 12. The device ofclaim 8 wherein said device has at least one pest access opening havinga predetermined size, whereby said receptacle means, when placed in saiddevice, is configured to reduce the size of said at least one pestaccess opening to less than said predetermined size to thereby restrictaccess to said device to one or more selected ones of said at least onespecies of ground crawling pest.
 13. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one tacky surfaced pest trap configured forsubstantial mating placement in at least one of said first area and saidat least one additional area.
 14. A device for controlling at least onespecies of ground crawling pest and at least one species of rodent, saiddevice comprising: a first substantially enclosed compartment having atleast one opening for permitting ingress by rodents; means disposed insaid first compartment for controlling said at least one species ofrodent; and at least one additional compartment including at least onesecond substantially enclosed compartment for controlling at least onespecies of ground crawling pest, said at least one second compartmentcomprising: at least one opening for permitting ingress by groundcrawling pests; a first area having a first construction suitable forreceiving a quantity of a first pest controlling material having a firstphysical consistency; and at least one additional area having at leastone additional construction substantially different from said firstconstruction, said at least one additional area being suitable forreceiving a quantity of at least one additional pest controllingmaterial having at least one additional physical consistencysubstantially different from said first physical consistency.
 15. Thedevice of claim 14 wherein said first pest control material is semisolidmaterial and said at least one additional pest controlling material isat least one of liquid and granular material, wherein said first areacomprises a support surface for semisolid material, and wherein said atleast one additional area comprises a tray having at least one zone forreceiving at least one of liquid and granular pest control material. 16.The device of claim 15 wherein said tray is removably mountable in saidat least one second compartment.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein saidtray includes tab means for facilitating placement and removal of saidtray from said at least one second compartment.
 18. The device of claim14 wherein said means for controlling said at least one species ofrodent comprises at least one rodent trap.
 19. The device of claim 18wherein said at least one rodent trap is a tacky-surfaced trap.
 20. Thedevice of claim 18 wherein said at least one rodent trap is a snap trap.21. The device of claim 20 wherein said at least one snap trap isremovably mountable in said first compartment.
 22. The device of claim21 further comprising means for absorbing shock arising from triggeringof said at least one snap trap.
 23. The device of claim 22 wherein saidfirst compartment has a floor and said shock absorbing means comprisepartition means provided on said floor between adjacent ones of said atleast one snap trap.
 24. The device of claim 20 wherein said at leastone snap trap is permanently mounted in said first compartment.
 25. Thedevice of claim 18 further comprising means disposed in advance of saidat least one rodent ingress opening for causing said rodent to leapthrough said opening into said compartment for ensnaring by said rodenttrap.
 26. The device of claim 14 further comprising at least one thirdcompartment including means for receiving rodenticidal bait material.27. The device of claim 26 wherein said means for receiving rodenticidalbait material is a removable tray.
 28. The device of claim 27 whereinsaid tray includes tab means for facilitating placement and removal ofsaid tray from said at least one third compartment.
 29. The device ofclaim 26 wherein said means for receiving rodenticidal bait materialcomprises one of a wire and a post for supporting said rodenticidal baitmaterial.
 30. The device of claim 14 wherein said first compartment andsaid at least one additional compartment are interconnected to permitpassage of at least one of rodents and ground crawling peststherebetween.
 31. The device of claim 30 wherein at least one of saidfirst compartment and at said at least one additional compartmentcomprise access ramp means for permitting ingress of ground crawlingpests into said device.
 32. The device of claim 31 wherein said at leastone additional compartment includes said access ramp means and said atleast one additional compartment further comprises means for restrictingaccess via said access ramp means to ants and other small groundcrawling pests.
 33. The device at claim 32 wherein said means forrestricting access comprises a gap having a width of between about{fraction (1/64)} to about ⅜ inch.